A088 Consult with the Office of Global Partnerships
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,
That the 81st General Convention commend the work and mission of the Office of Global Partnerships, specifically the faithful ministry of its partnership officers for Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East; and be it further
Resolved, That General Convention strongly encourage all dioceses, parishes, individuals and organizations engaging in or considering global mission in these geographic areas to connect and consult with the Office of Global Partnerships (and the regional partnership officers) as partners in mission in order to more fully and deeply fulfill the mission of the Church to seek and serve Christ in all people and uphold and advocate for the values of God’s liberating love throughout the world.
Explanation
Many in The Episcopal Church engage in global mission, yet not all capitalize on the knowledge, expertise and missional relationships of the Office of Global Partnerships. The Standing Commission on World Mission calls on General Convention to commend the work of the Office of Global Partnerships and calls on those engaging in or considering global mission to utilize the vast network of connections and resources of the Office of Global Partnerships.
The vision of the Office of Global Partnerships is to build, nurture, and inspire relationships across The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Communion, and the global community. This office actively develops resources to strengthen and facilitate the global mission engagement of The Episcopal Church and highlights issues of international concern and, in cooperation with colleagues on the Presiding Bishop’s staff, mobilizes engagement in these issues throughout The Episcopal Church, guided by the mission priorities adopted by General Convention, and the mission priorities of the Presiding Bishop of Evangelism, Reconciliation, and Care of Creation.
The area-specific partnership officers develop and nurture relationships with Anglican, ecumenical, and inter-religious partners in each region, and work closely with mission personnel officers to develop new missionary placements and opportunities, to support missionary discernment and training, and to ensure on-site pastoral support for missionaries in the field.